Senior Director, Evidence and Research for Action

The Senior Director, Evidence and Research for Action, is a strategic leader within FHI 360, responsible for overseeing the implementation robust research and research utilization portfolios and related efforts within the Global Programs and Science group. This role provides senior oversight to a portfolio of research and development initiatives to improve evidence generation and uptake using a range of methodological approaches and analytic techniques. They provide leadership, guidance, and direction – proposal writing, covering award implementation, scientific quality and rigor, innovation, and knowledge management. Additionally, they offer business analytics to maintain and expand market share as a recognized leader and go-to partner for generating and applying evidence and represent FHI 360 as a thought leader. Their decisions, guided by organizational strategy, significantly impact public health and development outcomes both short- and long-term.

RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES

Complexity & Problem Solving:

• Address complex challenges inherent in multi-country, multidisciplinary research projects.

• Navigate complex challenges inherent in research studies alongside project implementation, offering strategic direction and innovative solutions. 

• Champion implementation science approaches across FHI 360’s programming.

• Foster innovation and share best practices to drive and inform organizational impact and achieve sustainable development goals. 

Discretion & Impact:

• Exercise discretion over project related matters, making decisions that directly impact existing and future collaborations, study implementation, and other considerations that contribute to organizational success.

• Influence resource allocation, risk management, and stakeholder engagement to enhance the contraceptive research portfolio’s performance and organizational reputation.

• Maintain high standards for research integrity and quality, ensuring revenue targets are met or exceeded, and champion the expansion of research priorities and utilization initiatives.

• Make decisions with significant short- and long-term public health impact.

Collaboration & Interaction:

• Engage with internal and external stakeholders for collaborative research efforts, gathering and sharing evidence, lessons learned, and best practices.

• Foster partnerships with project teams, donors, and implementing partners to facilitate communication and knowledge exchange.

• Exhibit a communication style characterized by transparency, collaboration, and teamwork, working cross-functionally to achieve common goals and drive organizational impact.

• Establish and maintain relationships across FHI 360, particularly with all Groups and Enterprise Support colleagues.

Management & Supervision:

• Oversee research implementation within the division, providing leadership and guidance to all teams.

• Set strategic direction, manage budgets, and ensure research quality across the existing and expanded portfolio.

• Foster a culture of excellence and accountability, managing staff and shaping the portfolio structure to optimize efficiency and effectiveness.

• Lead a team of seasoned researchers, handling supervision, …